“Ah, today is the day for clubs to meet,” Tsubaki Kaneko said merrily as she read a notice posted in the hallway on the way into school that morning. She had been a team player on many committees – such as fundraisers for a cause or making decorations for an event – but never in a club. Being her final year, she decided she would try out the drama club. She’d met with the club president last week and humbly requested to join since she’d heard the student who did most of the props and backdrops graduated. He’d told her that she’d have to act, at least in a small part, if she wanted to join. After the weekend spent deciding, she came into school confident. Sho Fujimoto though was a little more interested in actually participating. His father sighed and shook his head when Sho announced his decision to his family over the weekend. He tried to convince Sho that universities for technology have no use for actors. He then tried to convince Sho to talk to the club president about doing the lighting and sound. After muttering that he’d do that, Sho felt a little less enthusiastic. Tsubaki had arrived to the meeting spot early and settled to the side, as was her habit. She was by no means shy, but did not like being in the center of a group. In her earlier years, she had always been one to be called on by the teacher. That led her to discovering that other children did not like that so much. After a few less than friendly experiences, she became less vocal in classes. When the twins were born, she learned that sometimes helping others made people happier and nicer to her. She applied that to school and the teasing finally stopped after she helped a few students with their homework. She had been thinking that over as she watched younger students filter in. She was beginning to wonder if anyone from her class would be in this when bright red disheveled hair caught her attention as Sho Fujimoto entered looking at his phone. He looked up briefly to take a seat near some of the younger students, then flipped the phone closed as he started cheerfully greeting them. After a friendly wave up to her, which she returned with a small smile, the younger students started talking animatedly to him. Kosuke Uede entered shortly before the club president, followed a little behind by Mina Kawa. She’d known Kosuke from her class, but she’d known Mina Kawa for a long time. They were not close, but they had attended the same school since entering public education. When the flyers were handed out, Sho tucked one in his pocket on his way out the door. He’d been back on his phone after saying goodbye to the younger students, caught up in reading about stage equipment when he heard his friend call out. He turned to see Kosuke coming after him and waited. Kosuke’s question made him laugh a little. “Don’t worry, my friend. I’ll be there to protect you from the scary club president.” With that, he patted Kosuke on the back teasingly, smiling just as broad as ever. Sho was notorious for never being serious and always having a joke. That was when Mina joined the boys, spouting off her opinion. Sho saw Kosuke roll his eyes and he elbowed his friend lightly. “Don’t go discouraging her from true love this year – besides, seeing it unfold would be entertaining since Mr. Scary President has a girlfriend. You’d be terrified of her if he scares you, Kosuke. But … it’s as they say … like minded people fit together.” He’d said the last bit in a sigh of mock tragedy as Tsubaki Kaneko joined up with them. Catching the end of Sho’s ridiculousness - also typical for him - Tsubaki was grateful for Kosuke’s change of subject. Kindly, she said. “If you use the example problem’s formula, it works for most of the others. Some require breaking down the problem first though.” “Ugh, we’ve been at school all day – let’s talk about something to eat!” Sho suggested after his complaint, then his eyes lit up. “A new onigiri place opened nearby. We should stop by.”